Controversies About the Use of Antidepressants in Pregnancy. Issue 3 (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Robinson, Gail Erlick
• Is Part Of: Journal of nervous and mental disease. Volume 203:Issue 3(2015:Mar.)
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Antidepressants -- drugs in pregnancy -- SSRIs -- harm to the fetus -- depression in pregnancy; Neurology -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Neurology; Psychiatry; Neurologie; Psychiatrie; Neurology; Psychiatry; Periodicals; 616.8005
• DOI: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000000256
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3018

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: There is controversy about the use of antidepressant medication during pregnancy. Decisions about their use are affected by understanding the risks of these medications causing pregnancy loss, congenital malformations, neonatal adaptation syndrome, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, autism spectrum disorder, or long-term neurocognitive deficits. Although some research has raised concerns about antidepressants causing harm to the fetus and neonate, other studies have disputed these findings or noted that any risks found do not exceed the risk of congenital problems found in 1% to 3% of neonates in the general population. Untreated depression during pregnancy can also cause harm from poor diet, substance abuse, suicidal behavior, or prematurity. Decisions about the use of antidepressants during pregnancy must be based on a risk-benefit analysis based on the best evidence of the risks of treating or not treating maternal depression.